An important part of protecting your smile for the long-term is understanding the day to day threats to your oral health. Acid erosion is one such common cause of dental deterioration. In this short article our O’Fallon dentists are sharing some information about acid erosion: how it develops, how it presents, and the types of problems it can cause.
So, the first thing to understand is that certain foods and drinks simply contain more acid than others. Wine, soft drinks, citrus fruits, fruit juices, and more are all quite acidic. It’s wise to limit your consumption of acidic foods and drinks, especially those that don’t offer many health benefits.
- There are other things that you can do to help minimize acid erosion as well.
- Get into the habit of rinsing your smile with water after eating or drinking
- Don’t brush your teeth for 20 to 30 minutes after consuming something acidic, as your dental enamel is softened and thus more vulnerable during this time
- Try not to eat or drink acidic things continuously throughout the day, as this keeps your enamel soft for a long period of time. It’s better to consume acidic treats in specific, limited chunks of time.
If left unchecked, acid erosion can really damage your smile. You may find:
- That your smile starts to look dark dull, as thin enamels allow dentin to show through to the surface of the tooth
- Your teeth are prone to developing cracks and chips
- Your teeth are more susceptible to developing cavities, because your enamel has developed weak spots
- Your teeth start to wear down prematurely and even shorten
Our O’Fallon dentists are here to help you develop a treatment plan that helps you preserve healthy and strong enamel for the long-term. If you have any questions, or you’d like to schedule a consultation, reach out to our team by calling our office or using our Contact Us page.